Comparison of Corrosion Resistance in Physiological Saline Solution of Two Austenitic Stainless Steels – 316LV and REX734

In this work two austenitic stainless steels, REX734 and 316LV were tested in terms of their microstructure and corrosion properties. The REX734 is a newer generation stainless steel, with modified chemical composition, in comparison to the 316LV grade. Potentiodynamic study of corrosion resistance was conducted in physiological saline solution (0.9% NaCl solution). In spite of the similarities of microstructure, grain size and phase structure in both materials, the corrosion tests revealed that the REX734, with lower nickel and higher nitrogen content, had better corrosion resistance than 316LV. Repassivation potential in the REX734 was almost six times higher than for the 316LV steel. Superior corrosion resistance of the REX734 steel was also confirmed by surface observations of both materials, since bigger and more densely distributed pits were detected in 316LV alloy.